Paul Lipsit, Membership Chairman of the The Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association is asking all persons who are interested in waterfront preservation and restoration of Silver Lake to show their support by purchasing memberships for the new year of 2013. He asks you to carefully read the brochure below and purchase a membership. This is a key way to visibly demonstrate support for the organization that is working hard on our behalf to keep these projects moving. Click on link to open:

Rick Misner called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance.

DIRECTORS PRESENT

Rick Misner, Ron Keating, Marg Creighton, Jim Murphy and Paul Lipsit

Also attending were 21 P.D.W.P.A. members and one guest.

BUSINESS

1. Review of the Minutes of the November 30, 2011 AGM

The minutes were distributed and reviewed by Marg Creighton. It was moved by Chuck Irvine and seconded by Ed Laevens that the minutes be accepted as written. Carried

2. Treasurer’s Reports

Marg Creighton reported that the Association’s income from membership fees, donations, fundraising and repayment from the Friends of Silver Lake Committee totaled $11 842.00. The expenditures included bank charges, advertising, legal fees, fundraising and administrative expenses and transfers to the Friends of Silver Lake Committee. Other expenses included a $500.00 rental fee for the booth at the Norfolk County Fair, a donation of $50.00 to thePort Dover Harbour Museum for hosting last year’s AGM and a refund of $20.00 to a member who had paid twice for their membership. As of October 31, 2012, the Association’s balance was $622.16.

The Friends of Silver Lake Committee’s income from donations, fundraising and transfers from the Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association totaled $8 479.72. The expenditures included bank charges, advertising, insurance for the Norfolk County Fair, fundraising expenses, accountant’s fees and transfers to the Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association. As of October 31, 2012, the Friends of Silver Lake Committee’s balance was $2748.73. During her reports, Marg asked members to refer to the two charts that she had provided. (see attachments) She also asked members if there were any questions or comments. There were none. A motion to accept the treasurer’s reports was made by Katie Buck and seconded by Sharon Lipsit.

3. Memberships

Marg Creighton reported that, at the present time, the Association has 169 paid members. Out of the 169 members, 37 have renewed their membership for 2013. Marg stated that, hopefully, the majority of members will renew their membership before April 30th so that the Association can continue its pursuit of preserving the waterfront. She reiterated her comments from last year’s AGM stating that the greater the Association’s numbers, the louder its voice, and the more impact it will have politically. Marg was very happy to be able to announce that, as of yesterday, the Association granted two lifetime memberships. These are available to members for $500.00. The Association is most grateful for these contributions. Marg concluded her report by thanking members for attending and for their continued support.

3. Port Dover Lighthouse

Sheila Whitely presented a comprehensive review of the Association’s efforts to preserve and protect the Pt. Dover lighthouse. (see attachment)

4. Misner Dam and Silver Lake Report

Ron Keating presented a detailed handout to members (see attachment) which outlined the current status of the initiative to repair the Misner Dam. With respect to the restoration of Silver Lake, Ron stated that Long Point Region Conservation Association is the agency responsible for approving this project. Ron explained that Norfolk County is willing to partner with the Friends of Silver Lake Committee regarding fundraising. However, Council did not approve the committee’s use of staff time for assistance and/or consultation. Ron fielded questions from several members regarding the new legislation, possible frequency of the dredging of Silver Lake and the engineering company involved with the project (Connestoga Rovers).

5. Future Projects

Rick Misner presented an overview of future projects of the Association. (see attachment) With respect to the Port Dover Harbour Marina, Ron Keating mentioned that he had been in touch with John Wells regarding the governance issue. John stated that he has not heard anything yet about this report. Rick thanked Sheila Whitely, on behalf of the Association, for all of her efforts in researching and developing the business plan to apply to the federal government for ownership of the Port Dover lighthouse. Rick also thanked Marg Creighton and Paul and Sharon Lipsit for their contributions. While discussing fundraising, Rick thanked Judy Malpass for her incredible efforts to raise money for the Friends of Silver Lake Committee through the donation buckets on Friday the 13th and also through the sale of the Roots Festival thermal bags. Rick also acknowledged the efforts of the numerous volunteers.

6. Christmas by the Lake Fundraiser

Paul Lipsit outlined the concert entitled A Family Christmas by the Lake. It will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre. Entertainment will be provided by the Gentlemen of Harmony chorus and quartets, a children’s choir from St. Cecilia’s as well as several talented performers from the community. Caroling by the audience will be encouraged to foster the Christmas spirit. All proceeds will be donated to the Association. Paul mentioned that if this concert is successful then it may become an annual occurrence.

7. Motions to be put to the AGM

Rick Misner stated that no motions had been submitted to the directors this year. The directors had not submitted any motions either. Rick asked members if there were any motions that they would like to have the membership consider. There were none.

8. Election/Confirmation of Directors

Rick Misner stated that, according to the Association’s By-Law, three directors must resign each year. However, they may seek reelection and may hold office for a maximum of five years. It is with regret that the Association accepts the resignation of Marg Creighton. Rick mentioned that both he and Jim Murphy are also resigning, but are willing to stand for reelection. In summary, the following members have put their names forward to be considered for the position of director:

Jim Murphy, Ron Keating, Paul Lipsit and Rick Misner.

Rick asked members if there were any other people who would like to be considered for the position of director. No one responded. That being the case, by acclamation, the following members will form the Board of Directors for the year 2012-2013:

Ed Laevens provided an update on the Riverfront Park located on the former Pring property. He stated that the tenders for the sheet piling will be due in a few days. Work is to be completed by mid-March.

10. Adjournment

Rick thanked everyone for coming. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 pm.

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This was issued by the County on Dec. 10, 2012. Editor’s Note – this is posted exactly as released without editing for spelling.

Medial Release

Monday, December 10, 2012

Misner Dam – November 20th Meeting – Synopsis

The following is a brief synopsis of the Misner Dam project meeting held on Tuesday November 20, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at the Norfolk County Administration Building in Simcoe.

Present at the meeting were the following individuals:

1. Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)

· Mitch Wilson (Aylmer)

· Sherry Pineo (Aylmer)

· David Johnston (Peterborough)

2. Consultants:

· Ryan Elliott (Vallee)

· Jeff Daniels (Conestoga Rovers & Associates (CRA))

3. County

· Mayor Travale

· Councillors: John Wells, Rogers Geysens, Jim Oliver

· Gary Houghton, Manager of Engineering

· Eric D’Hondt, General Manager

4. Long Point Region Conservation Authority

· Ben Hodi

· Heather Surette

David Johnston – Engineering Technologist from the MNR’s office in Peterborough made a presentation relating to the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) and how it applies to the Misner Dam. As a result of that presentation the following concerns were discussed.

A.)Exemption from the LRIA

Were the proposed repairs to the Misner Dam considered to be exempt from the LRIA?

David Johnston (MNR) responded that because the Misner Dam is considered a HighRisk Structure under the LRIA; and that the proposed repairs are not minor innature, the work to the Misner Dam are not exempt from the LRIA.

B.)Inflow Design Flood (IDF)

Why is the IDF study needed if we know that the Regulatory Flood lines are several meters above the top of the dam?

It was reinforced several times by MNR staff that the IDF study was essential for the County’s consultant to establish feasible options for the dam and submit a complete application to MNR under the LRIA. The County’s consultant must determine the forces/loadings/stresses on the structure under the IDF condition so that feasible options can be established that will bring the dam into conformance with Provincial Standards.

The forces/loading/stresses under the IDF condition are essential to determine the design criteria for the Misner dam. Once the design criteria has been assessed, feasible options for the Misner dam may be developed that will meet provincial standards under the LRIA. Norfolk County may then consider the feasible options and proceed accordingly with the LRIA application including plans & specifications. Without the IDF and structural assessment, plans and specifications, MNR are unable to process the application.

C.)Design Methodology

Even though the IDF study will confirm the dam will be overtopped and that it is a High Risk Structure, what design factors have to be considered to bring the dam into compliance with Provincial Standards?

David Johnston (MNR) noted the basic principles of any LRIA dam application is:

· Ensuring the IDF can pass through the dam in a safe and controlled manner that will not cause erosion that may undermine the structural integrity.

· Ensure that the dam will remain structurally stable against the forces exerted under the IDF condition (foundations, mass, etc.)

The County will have to further address the following in the feasibility plan as part of the supporting documentation to complete the Work Permit Application.

· Erosion of the banks that form part of dam structure will have to be assessed and evaluated based on the IDF.

· Structural stability of the dam, including the physical mass, the foundation review and whether the dam has the ability to withstand undermining, overturning and the forces/loadings/stress resulting from the IDF.

David Johnston (MNR) indicated that their direction to County Staff and their consultant has remained consistent since beginning to work with Norfolk County and the Misner dam in 2009. MNR indicated their continued support for the County moving forward in their efforts related to the Misner Dam.

D.)1977 verses 2011 LRIA Guidelines

What is the difference between the 1977 and the 2011 LRIA Guidelines which comes into place on April 1, 2013?

The MNR noted that the significant difference in the guidelines related to the requirement to include earthquake loadings. MNR noted that the level of care and assessment with a high hazard structure would be the same under either of the guidelines.

If the County does not submit the required information to the MNR by April 1, 2013, the Work Permit Application will continue to be considered incomplete and fall under the new 2011 guidelines. The County must submit their application including the IDF, structural stability studies, along with draft plans and specifications to MNR which will bring the dam into compliance with Provincial Standards by April 1st, 2013 in order to use the 1977 LRIA Guidelines.

E.)Fish Passage Plan

What is the likely hood of the approved Work Permit including the construction of a fish ladder?

The MNR noted that as stated at the first multi-agency meeting in Feb. it was “highly likely” that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) would require fish passage to support MNR’s fisheries objectives to include enhanced fish access. The County would then be required to develop a plan to address fish passage upstream of the dam, as to whether this would involve the construction of a fish ladder or a dam management operational plan is subject to the County’s submission.

The Mayor reinforced that the County is not the owner of the dam and that the County is doing its due diligence with respect to the protection of persons and property. It was also noted that the County was not identified as the owner on the Application for Work Permit form but as an Other specified as “Legal owner is undefined, Norfolk County is taking a principle role in the absence of an owner for “safety reasons.”

G.)Next Steps

Vallee – Commence the field survey work required by CRA to do the IDF – immediate start.

CRA – Upon receipt of the field survey work complete the IDF – end of January 2013.

Vallee – Based on the IDF prepare a preliminary assessment of the existing structure; prepare a preliminary feasibility plan for Council including update options and cost estimates to bring the dam into compliance with Provincial Standards – end of February 2013.

Council – Provide direction to staff based upon the preliminary feasibility study.

It was a very informative and productive meeting and provided the County and its consultants with the necessary direction to proceed to complete the County’s Application for Work Permit submitted on February 27, 2012.